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The timing is preset by the coupling of the distributor to the camshaft by the offset that fits between the distributor and the cam, and is not adjustable. The important setting is the "dwell", or the time power is furnished to the coil. The first points in the distributor start the power, and the second set turns it off. The interval the power is on is the "dwell". When power is removed from the coil, the collapse of the power causes a high voltage burst (spike) to the spark plug being fed by the position of the distributor rotor. The dwell is best set on a machine so the proper setting of the points can be made. As said above, setting the point gap with a feeler gage will likely allow the engine to run. If the dwell is incorrect, the intensity of the spark will be affected. As we set distributors on our Sun machine, the amount of point adjustment to achieve correct dwell is very slight, but of critical importance. Finding a shop with such a machine can be difficult in the age of electronic ignition. It is not unusual for distributors to be brought or sent to us for the job today.